A long term employee of Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley and General Manager Melanie Watson was awarded with the leading resort’s first national award for Employee Excellence in Service – Accommodation Division at the 2022 Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence.
The award was presented at a dinner held in Hobart in February, which saw more than 500 local and national VIPs and industry guests gather to celebrate the stars of Australia’s hospitality and accommodation industry.
Watson was one of 44 winners announced at the event and was thrilled to receive this award of excellence in the midst of the public opening week of the Yarra Glen winery’s new restaurant – 1309 @ Balgownie – that was ravaged by devastating fires in 2020.
“I’m truly honoured to receive this award however, there is no way I got here alone. I have a brilliant team that has aligned our passion and drive to be the best at what we do. We have fun, create a welcoming vibe and always do our best to serve and create experiences for our guests,” Ms Watson said.
“This award is a testimony to our hard work and dedication over the tough past two years and I am beyond grateful to be a part of pure excellence.”
Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley recently launched its new multi-million-dollar development – following on from the devastating fires and challenging times the resort and surrounding Yarra Valley wine region faced throughout Covid-19 lockdowns.
The rebuild features a new cellar door, reception area, function room, outdoor decking area, state-of-the-art kitchen and also the resort’s new-look restaurant – 1309 @ Balgownie – that seats more than 100 guests and overlooks the surrounding Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
AHA National President, Scott Leach said the presentation dinner was a significant and morale-boosting event given the enormous challenges the hospitality and accommodation industries have faced over the past two years.
“Against all odds, industry operators right around the country have continued to provide the highest possible levels of industry service and customer experience. Their innovation, their optimism and their commitment has shone through,” Mr Leach said.
